A rare congenital form of cholesteatoma (one present at birth) can occur in the middle ear and elsewhere, such as in the nearby skull bones. However, the type of cholesteatoma associated with ear infections is most common. A cholesteatoma is skin growth that can develop in the middle section of your ear, behind the eardrum. It may be a birth defect, but it's most commonly caused by repeated middle ear infections. A cholesteatoma often develops as a cyst, or sac, that sheds layers of old skin.

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CHOLESTEATOMA

Synonyms:
Initially, the ear may drain, sometimes with a foul odor. As the cholesteatoma pouch or sac enlarges, it can cause a full feeling or pressure in the ear, along with hearing loss and tinnitus. An ache behind or in the ear, especially at night, may cause significant discomfort. Dizziness, or muscle weakness on one side of the face (the side of the infected ear) can also occur. Any, or all, of these symptoms are good reasons to seek medical evaluation.

Types:
1.Congenital cholesteatoma: Primary acquired cholesteatoma or retraction cholesteatoma
2. Primary acquired cholesteatoma or retraction cholesteatoma
3. Secondary acquired cholesteatoma

Symptoms

you do have Cholesteatoma, then you might notice the following symptoms. Some of the symptoms exist depending on how long you have been suffering for.
Hearing loss – this is mostly temporary but if it isn’t diagnosed earlier then it could be permanent.
Vertigo – this is linked to loss of balance and a sense of dizziness
Noticeable fluid from the ear with a foul smell
Pain behind or in your ear over a period of time
Facial muscle paralysis – this is the symptom of severe cases of cholesteatoma.

Treatments

If one wants to achieve complete healing of a cholesteatoma, the only option is surgery.

Specialist who treat it

Otorhinolaryngology

Cholesteatoma stories


AFTER PETROSECTOMY,14 EAR OPERATIONS AND 5 FESS OPERATIONS.


Case history: 2004 grommet l.s. (Szent István Hospital) June, October 2005: deviacio septi nasi, sinusitis ethmoidalis chr. (Szent István Hospital) 2006: mastoidectomia, atticoantrotomia, tympanoplastica. (MÁV Hospital) Janua...

Views: 931 Jan 8, 2017, 6:09 PM by Gábor

HANNAH 'S STORY


Hannah is my 16 year daughter.  She has had problems with her ears since she was born.  Constant trips to gp pediatric Dr for antibiotics for ear infections and get big injection on antibiotics when it wouldn't clear up. There was no bounci...

Views: 897 Apr 17, 2016, 6:24 AM by Lisa

MY JOURNEY WITH THE BEAST


I call cholesteatoma the beast because it is. I started with ear infection in 2006. Then I noticed a hearing lose.Not intll 2011 did I get to a doctor who gave a proper diagnosis. Sent to Dr. Giddings in Spokane Wa. Had surgery to remove C Toma and p...

Views: 869 Apr 10, 2016, 11:13 AM by Patti

AMABEL'S STORY


My 12 year old had his first surgery 2 weeks ago. ( 9/7/2016) after discovering he had it in feb. No history of ear infections until December 15. How're had to have grommets in 3 years ago due to glue ear. From what I understand this is just the star...

Views: 793 Jul 22, 2016, 2:08 PM by Amabel

PAULA'S STORY


Won't bore you with my dull medical history. Will say that it seems I am luckier than most, in that I have no day to day symptoms & I was able to swim, snorkel & even dive in some beautiful oceans before the disease was diagnosed. I felt fea...

Views: 788 Apr 10, 2016, 9:51 AM by Paula

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CHOLESTEATOMA FB GROUP


Are you a part of any Facebook cholesteatoma groups?

Views: 578 Apr 10, 2016, 10:47 AM by Kim

LASER TREATMENT


Hi, I would really like some info regarding laser treatment for ctoma. I know that this is available in the UK. Does anyone know if this is available in Ireland. Thanks

Views: 300 Sep 7, 2018, 11:19 AM by Debbie daly

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